We have had the good fortunate of connecting with Nobel Laureates, titans of industry, rockstars and rising stars across dozens of industries and we have always found their stories about who they were early on to be most fascinating. Below, you’ll find members of the community sharing their responses to this key aspect of their stories.
Vonn Page
I was always unapologetically me, I built my whole brand and business on being me. I’ve always preached to my viewers to double down on who you are and become the best version of that. Build better habits. Build better health, and the rest will follow. Read more>>
Rozie Virani
I believe I am still exploring this idea of who I was before the world told me who I had to be. For me, being a new mom is getting me in touch with my inner child. I feel I am reflecting on what it’s like to think from a child’s perspective and work on seeing the world with less jaded eyes. Read more>>
Adam Anzio
Pretty much the same person. I never really listened to what “the world” had to say. When it spoke, I just told it to shut up, and kept moving. I’ve been questioning, analyzing and challenging most of what was being told to me over the course of my life. Stigmas, stereotypes, standards, rules, laws, systems; I don’t follow blindly. Read more>>
Brittany Sessions
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was deeply curious. I had a natural hunger to learn, to explore, to ask questions, and that curiosity led me on a journey of discovery. As I started learning more about Black history, something in me clicked. It connected me to my culture in a way I never knew was possible. Read more>>
LaShonda Hill
“Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a little girl with big dreams, a lot of creativity, and a heart for people. I was always that child who wanted to make others feel beautiful, cared for, and seen—whether it was styling dolls’ hair, encouraging friends, or imagining myself on stages I hadn’t even touched yet. Read more>>
Yujie Huang
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was just a kid lost in my own imaginary games. In elementary school, while the teacher was going over math or grammar, I’d be secretly filling the margins of my notebooks with drawings. Read more>>
Janiyah Peterson
Honestly the world didn’t tell me who I was then or now. It’s more of who believes in me when I can’t see when I’m winning or loosing or when I’m down who is going to be there to guide me and help me back up. Read more>>
Dannielle Thompson
Getting an education was always important for me and I knew my family wanted me to be as successful as possible but I was not ready for college after high school. I did not want to let them down but I put off my education for awhile to travel and explore adulthood on my own. Read more>>
Skylar Currie
Before the world told me I had to be an accountant, I was a curious, creative problem-solver with a love for storytelling, experiences, and connecting with people. I was the friend organizing food adventures, testing recipes, and documenting moments just for the joy of sharing them. Read more>>
Taveon Robinson
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was just a kid who loved to dream big, sing loud, and believe anything was possible. I didn’t worry about fitting into a box or meeting expectations I was free, creative, and connected to God in a simple, childlike way. Read more>>
Harrison Russell
Thankfully I truly believe I’m still that same naive kid that never believed what anyone told me I had to be. I feel like I’ve always been blessed with knowing who I am and what I’ve wanted and I’ve never really let the world influence me in that way. Read more>>
Jeanie Tomanek
I was a wild little tomboy who ran free, pretended to be a Native American, complete with bow and arrows, roaming the hills of a farm in Western New York where I lived until I was fifteen. Read more>>
